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Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe - Creamy 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, cheesy dish that combines tender chicken with a velvety sauce, ready in just 30 minutes. It's the perfect restaurant-quality weeknight dinner that feels fancy without the fuss.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz penne pasta or your favorite shape
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt (plus more for pasta water)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the pan. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Combine Everything: Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce. Stir to combine. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting, don't overcook garlic, save pasta water for sauce consistency, and season both chicken and pasta water for layered flavor.